Purpose

1.1         
This report seeks approval of the procurement
strategy for a new contract to support our Direct Payments
offer.
 
1.2         
Direct Payments are a national initiative to deliver
financial support for individuals to pay for their care and support
needs. Designed as an alternative to traditional methods of
commissioned support, the facility of a Direct Payment aims to
increase choice and control for those requiring care and support
received.
 
1.3         
The new contract will replace three existing
contracts that provide different elements of the Direct Payment
system, with the aim of delivering a simplified process to support
increased uptake. The new contract will be in place from
01st April 2025 for the duration of 10 years. All three
current contracts are coming to a natural end on the 31st March 2025.
 
1.4         
The new contract will manage the delivery of Direct
Payment activity for adults who have an assessed need under the
Care Act.
 
1.5         
The report highlights the role of the Direct Payment
Steering Group and the workstreams identified to support the
delivery of the new Direct Payment system. This includes
establishing internal Direct Payment champions and reviewing
policies and procedures which will support improving the uptake for
Direct Payments.
 
1.6         
The procurement of a new contract seeks to address
current gaps in provision and to continually improve on outcomes
that have been developed following a consultation with residents in
receipt of a Direct Payments and operational staff. 
 

Content

Approve the recommended
strategy/route to market (Section 5 of this report) to procure a
new Direct Payment contract over a 10-year period, to support our
newly developed Direct Payment System with an estimated maximum
value of £2,500,000.